In the latest “Head 2 Head,” Editor Katie Johnson and Staff Writer Jenson Mahr go against one another about whether DC animated or DC live-action is better. (DC Entertainment)
In the latest “Head 2 Head,” Editor Katie Johnson and Staff Writer Jenson Mahr go against one another about whether DC animated or DC live-action is better.

DC Entertainment

DC animation vs. DC live-action

Better quality stories, more character development

DC has been around a long time, and the one thing they are consistently good at is making great animated TV shows. These animated TV shows have been around since the ‘90s and have remained popular. 

The first animated show to grace our screens was “Batman: The Animated Series,” which garnered huge success on the small screen and was a catalyst for many other great series over the next several years.

Animated shows also offer different takes on famous characters we all know and love.

— Editor Katie Johnson

DC’s animated movies and shows are better than live-action because of the variety of characters. When you look at DC characters who get movies and TV shows, you see how each show has a different view on the story plot. For example, ”Young Justice” and “Teen Titans” offer the perspective of valiant teenagers.

Other shows like “Justice League Dark” and “Constantine: City of Demons” explore the darker side of magic in the DC Universe. Then we get to a comedic mockery of superheroes and supervillains with “Harley Quinn” on HBO Max. Each of these shows offers a different perspective and different character development. 

Animated shows also offer different takes on famous characters we all know and love. Over the years, DC has done multiple shows that evolve around Batman, a.k.a. Bruce Wayne, but each has a different take on the same character. For example, the first “Batman: The Animated Series” portrays Batman in a more crime-ridden city with more gangsters and supervillains. 

On the other hand, ”The Batman” revolved more around a younger version of Batman in a more modernized city. Then, “Harley Quinn,” a series, is known to often make fun of Batman and expose all of what makes him sound more ridiculous and funny.

Another take was put on Harley Quinn as well in “Batman: The Animated Series,” in which she was firmly a sidekick of the Joker. However, Harley got her own show down the road, where she evolved into her own person and rose out of the Joker’s shadow.

Shows like “Young Justices” and “Harley Quinn” can trace their evolution through “Batman: The Animated Series.” However, other shows are created to make an alternate universe to further create more story arcs for more characters such as Robin from “Teen Titans” and “Young Justices.”

Robin’s story line for “Young Justice” was an opportunity for Robin to expand and develop beyond his original character from “Batman: The Animated Series.”

Sometimes the spin DC puts on their characters is something new and interesting, or is in a different universe. For example, “Teen Titans” created its own distinct identity. “Teen Titans” follows its own timeline and story plot without the interference of big-name superheroes or villains. 

While DC does have mediocre live-action shows and movies, they always will be more known for their animated genre because they have made shows that help define and develop their characters.

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More accurate to original comic books

While DC has been around since 1937, they have been most successful with their more recent DC live-action movies. DC live-action movies have been around since the late ‘80s, and ever since, then they have been quite successful.

The first DC live-action movies were the early Batman movies, some of which included “Batman 1989” and “Batman Returns.” Actors like Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer, and George Clooney played the role of Batman in the ‘90s.

If you think about it, DC live-action movies are more accurate to the comic books than DC animated shows. When I watch a DC movie, I find it more interesting when the characters are closely related to the comics.

When I think about DC live-action movies, the first one that comes to mind is “The Dark Knight.” “The Dark Knight” is a perfect example of a comic book-accurate DC movie. The craziest and best villain in the DC movies is the Joker because nearly every time the Joker appears in a movie, he is played by a good actor.

In “The Dark Knight,” Heath Ledger, a famous actor most known for his role as the Joker, makes his appearance. Ledger’s terrific performance shocked the world, making it one of the best acting roles ever created. 

His role took the movie beyond what was expected. When the film first came out, people were unenthusiastic about Ledger’s role as the Joker, but as time went on, critics realized how good his performance was.

I find it more interesting when the characters are closely related to the comics.

— Staff Writer Jenson Mahr

You could say that most DC movies revolve around Batman. Batman movies are the most anticipated movies of all in DC. Even the more recent movie, “The Batman,” had success because of how much the movie focuses on Batman more than Bruce Wayne. This Batman movie is another perfect example of how a comic book Batman movie should be. 

Another popular DC character is Superman, who was the first DC superhero. Superman is also one of the more iconic superheroes in DC. Henry Cavil, who was the best actor to ever play the role of Superman, showed how a true comic book Superman should be in his films.

The Justice League movies share a great deal of superheroes in the DC universe. Famous characters in “Justice League” include Batman, Superman, Flash, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, and Cyborg. These movies are more successful with multiple DC characters because it shows how they work with each other to save their world. 

Live-action DC movies are the better choice due to their actors who play serious roles to entertain and impress the audience while staying true to the original comic books.

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